HP 3000 Manuals HP 3000 Manuals
Definitions (E-N)
echo What the computer does when it sends data typed on
the keyboard back to the terminal screen. If echo
is turned off, the computer receives the data, but
does not send it back, so nothing appears on the
screen.
echoplex A mode in the full-duplex communication channel in
which any character transmitted by a terminal is
echoed back to it.
EDIT/3000 An HP 3000 text editor, supplied with MPE/iX. It is
used to create and manipulate ASCII files.
editor A word processing application used to prepare,
modify, or delete text and program files.
EDIT/3000 is the text editor used with MPE/iX.
EIA 232-C See RS 232-C.
EIA 422-A See RS 422.
electronic mail The transmission of a message from one person to
another by way of computers.
Electronics An organization that creates North American data
Industries communication standards.
Association (EIA)
electrostatic The electric charge given by the release of
discharge (ESD) integrated circuits.
end of file (EOF) The marker that indicates the logical end of a
file. An end-of-file marker may be a control
character embedded in the data.
end of line (EOL) The mechanism for indicating the end of a line.
end of tape (EOT) A marker on the back of a tape, sensed by the tape
drive, indicating the supply of tape is running
low.
entry An element of information in a table, list, queue,
or other organized structure of data.
environment file A disk file containing the formatting
specifications for a printed page of data. These
specifications, which are not part of the data, may
include the page size, character fonts, forms, and
other requirements to be used in conjunction with
the Hewlett-Packard Laser Printing System.
erasable An EPROM chip can be programmed, erased, and
programmable reprogrammed.
read-only memory
chip (EPROM)
error checking code On an MPE/iX system, the internal memory word size
is 39 bits. There are 32 bits for data and seven
bits dedicated to error detection and correction.
Single-bit errors are automatically detected and
corrected ensuring data integrity. Multi-bit
errors are automatically detected resulting in a
high-priority interrupt to the system software for
appropriate action.
error listing A report generated by the system describing the
step by step processing of the job.
error messages Messages describing errors that occur during either
an interactive session or a batch job. The
messages are reported to the standard list device,
which is usually a terminal (for a session) or a
line printer (for a job).
escape key A special terminal key that is used in combination
with other characters to give those characters
different functions that modify a session or
terminal. The escape key is represented by ESC or
Escape.
escape sequences A sequence of characters beginning with the escape
character and used to control printers, plotters,
or the display screen.
EXCLUSIVE access A restriction limiting file access to one user at a
time.
execute What the computer does when it carries out the
instructions or performs the routine indicated.
executing state The state of a job/session, displayed when the
SHOWJOB command is executed. Possible states are
INTRO, WAIT, EXEC*, EXEC, and SUSP.
execution unit (EU) The part of the CPU containing the arithmetic logic
unit (ALU) and the registers. Data is held in
registers and manipulated in the ALU.
executive See control program.
execution unit (EU) The part of the CPU containing the arithmetic logic
unit (ALU) and the registers. Data is held in
registers and manipulated in the ALU.
executor A procedure responsible for executing an operating
system command.
explicit When the command interpreter encounters an
dereferencing exclamation point immediately before a variable
name, it substitutes the value for the variable
name. Explicit dereferencing may be used in any
MPE/iX command. See also implicit dereferencing.
expression A statement consisting of variables, constants, and
operators.
extended An 8-bit code that is an extension of binary-coded
binary-coded decimal decimal (BCD) notation. EBCDIC can represent up to
interchange code 256 different characters.
(EBCDIC)
extended code A table containing information about code segments
segment table (CSTX that come from users' program files and those
or XCST) segments that are assigned by running a program.
CSTX (or XCST) is used in MPE/iX only in
compatibility mode (CM).
extended large MPE/iX can be implemented with either 48-bit or
addressing
64-bit virtual addressing. The 48-bit addressing
provides a virtual address space consisting of
65,000 individual spaces each 4GB (four billion
bytes) in size. This is 65,000 times larger than a
typical 32-bit system.
extent A group of one or more contiguous sectors of disk
space allocated for a single file. Extents can be
variable length; any number of extents can exist
for a given file.
external interrupt A mechanism used by a module to signal to the
message (EIM) processor that the module has completed a requested
operation and is ready for another.
extra data segment A capability assigned by the system manager to
capability (DS users and accounts to use extra data segments. DS
capability) capability is normally restricted to only a few
users, since allowing many processes to use extra
data segments can easily overload the system,
requiring large amounts of main memory, a large
virtual storage area on the system disk, frequent
disk swapping, or all three.
Facility/Link An MPE communications subsystem. It allows users
to access a mainframe computer in interactive mode
using a Hewlett-Packard distributed systems network
(DSN). It is usually known as Interactive Mainframe
Facility/Link.
FCOPY An HP 3000 subsystem that allows the user to copy,
append, translate data from one type to another
(for example, ASCII to EBCDIC), verify, and compare
files. The subsystem is activated with the MPE/iX
FCOPY command.
fiber optics The technology of transmitting data over
communication lines made from flexible strands of
glass or plastic through which laser beams or light
from light emitting diodes are passed to transfer
data. The strands are formed into cables and can
carry many more times the amount of data than
traditional copper wire.
field replaceable An assembly that is replaced when any of its
unit (FRU) components fail.
file A group of related records that represents ASCII
text (text files) or binary data (such as
executable code). Every file must have a file name
so the user can access the file's contents.
file access The determination whether a process may perform a
permission requested operation on a file. Every file in the
file system has a set of access permissions. These
permissions are broken down according to whether a
file may be read, written, or executed.
file code A four-digit integer that identifies the special
function of a file. Users may assign a file code
between 0 and 1023 to a file they create to
classify it according to its purpose.
file creation time The time when a file is created.
file directory A directory maintained by the system containing
each file's name, who created it, its location, and
other defining characteristics.
file equation A method of equating a name with a specific device
or file. This name serves as an "alias" for
another device or file whose characteristics are
defined in the file equation. The MPE/iX FILE
command is used to define the file equation. File
equations are often used to direct the input to or
output from a program, job, or session to a
particular device or file.
file identifier A number associating a name with a file system
object. For example, when you "open" a file using
its name, the operating system returns a unique
number for your use. This number is the file
identifier.
file independence File independence means that data files are
shareable among all the Hewlett-Packard programming
languages. For instance, an HP Pascal/iX program
can read files created using any of the other
supported programming languages.
file information A display of file characteristics, an error
display (FID) message, an error number, and current FOPEN
intrinsic parameters provided when certain file
input/output errors occur.
file label A descriptive entry on disk containing the file
name, file code, record size, file format, current
end-of-file mark, maximum number of records,
blocking factor, number of disk sectors in use,
number of extents currently allocated, and maximum
number of extents. Use the LISTF,2 command to
display the file label.
file mark A uniquely formatted area on a magnetic tape used
to separate files. Also referred to as a tape
mark.
file name An MPE/iX file name is a string of up to eight
alphanumeric characters, the first of which must be
an alphabetic character.
file number An integer value assigned by the FOPEN intrinsic
that is used to refer to a file in a user program.
File numbers zero through seven are reserved for
the MPE/iX operating system.
file pointer A logical record pointer kept by the operating
system to indicate the next sequential record to be
accessed in a file. The pointer is set to the
first record when the file is opened.
file space The number of sectors of disk space that a group,
or account is using. It is displayed by executing
the MPE/iX REPORT command.
file specification The "full" name of a file. This includes the file
name, group, and account.
file state The condition of a file. This can include OPEN,
READY, ACTIVE, LOCKED, or WAIT. An OPEN file, for
example, is one currently being accessed by a user
or a program.
file system The part of the operating system that handles
access to input/output devices, data blocking,
buffering, data transfers, and deblocking.
firmware A set of microcode instructions that are executable
by the CPU. These are permanently stored in
read-only memory (ROM) or writable control store
(WCS).
fixed disk A large capacity disk that is fixed inside a disk
drive and cannot be removed.
fixed-length record A record that always contains the same number of
characters or words. Fixed-length records within a
single file are always the same length.
fixed space font A typeface in which each character occupies the
same amount of space. The space between characters
is uniform for all nonproportional fonts.
flexible disk A random access storage device, also called a
diskette or floppy disk. Data may be written to or
read from one or both sides with a special disk
drive intended only for diskettes. Flexible disks
are often used with personal computers.
floating-point A measurement of the speed of a processor.
operations per
second (FLOPS)
foreign tapes A tape or tapes not created on an HP 3000.
formal file The name that commonly appears on the left side of
designator a file equation for the purpose of redirecting
input/output to or from a file/device, or defining
the characteristics of a file/device. This is the
name that processes will refer to, rather than to
the actual file or device.
formatting 1) Part of a process of preparing a disk for use.
2) To prepare a file to be output with a certain
organization. Formatting includes such processes
as setting page length and width, specifying
printing fonts, and adding headers and footers.
FORTRAN Formula translator. A high-level computer
programming language often used in scientific and
engineering applications.
frame A unit of information used in packet switching. A
frame contains no more than one packet.
frame checking A 16-bit sequence derived from an algorithm common
sequence (FCS) to data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE) and
data terminal equipment (DTE). The sequence is
appended to each frame and used as a verification
of data transmission.
free space map A map of allocated and available disk sectors on
the volume set.
full-duplex A method of transmission that allows simultaneous
two-way communication. Full-duplex is also called
duplex. It is the opposite of half-duplex.
fully qualified file A complete file description that includes the file
name name, the group to which the file belongs, and the
account to which the group belongs. The fully
qualified file name of the LETTER file in the PUB
group of the SYS account is expressed as
LETTER.PUB.SYS.
function keys Special keys on the terminal keyboard that are
labelled sequentially, F1, F2, F3, and correspond
to the windows that appear at the bottom of the
terminal screen. Function keys perform various
activities.
fundamental The programs, utilities, and subsystems supplied on
operating software the master installation tape (MIT) for MPE/iX.
(FOS)
gate A circuit with one or more input signals to produce
a single output of binary 1 or 0 depending on the
type of logic built into it.
gateway 1) A special instruction used to increase the
user's privilege level and perform a branch. It is
required to access the operating system.
2) In data communications, a method used to access
one type of network from another type. A gateway
is a member of two or more networks and allows
communication between the networks to which it
belongs. For example, a gateway is used to go to a
local area network (LAN) from X.25.
general register A 32-bit register available to all processes at all
privilege levels for general computation and data
manipulation.
Glance/XL A software product which can help in locating and
evaluating performance problems. This is
equivalent to the MPE/VE system measurement tools.
global A term used to define scope. A global item is
widely accessible.
global variable A variable whose value is valid throughout a
program, job, or session. Global is the opposite
of local, which means that a variable is useful
only in a limited area.
Governmental Agency The testing conducted for the purpose of passing
Hardware governmental agency (FCC and VDE) and safety
Certification regulations (UL, CSA, IEC). Tests conducted include
electromagnetic compatibility, conducted emissions,
radiated emissions, and various safety tests.
group 1) A group is part of an account that is used to
organize the account's files. All files must be
assigned to a group, and within an account each
group has a unique name. A PUB (public) group is
established for each account when it is created.
Additional groups are created within the account,
as needed, by the account manager.
2) For the ALLBASE/SQL group, see authorization
group.
group-level security The file access modes, and the types of users to
whom they are available, as specified by the
account manager when the group is created.
group librarian Assigned by the account manager, to a user within
capability (GL an account. A group librarian can be assigned
capability) special file access modes for the maintenance of
certain files within the user's home group.
half-duplex Communication system or equipment capable of
transmission in either direction, but not in both
directions simultaneously. The transmission flow
must be halted each time the direction of travel is
reversed. This halt is called turnaround time and
typically requires from 50 to 250 milliseconds,
depending upon line length. The halt is required
to reverse the direction of the echo suppressers in
the telephone line and to allow modems to
stabilize. The opposite of full-duplex.
handshaking A communications protocol between devices, or
between a device and the CPU. The signals indicate
that information was received, more is on the way,
or it was not received correctly.
hard copy The output from a printer or plotter, usually onto
paper.
hard disk A device used to store information. A hard disk
has more storage than a floppy disk without being
susceptible to the same hazards (for example, being
bent or having the media corrupted by physical
handling). A hard disk generally comes in packs
consisting of several platters instead of just one.
Some disk packs can be removed from the disk drive.
hard reset A method to reset the computer or a terminal. A
hard reset erases all information in memory. See
soft reset.
hardware All the physical components of the computer,
including the CPU cabinet, tape drives, disk
drives, terminals, and other peripherals.
hardware The process of physically connecting the hardware
installation of a computer system together.
hard-wired In a hard-wired computer, the instruction set is
implemented directly in the CPU.
hard-wired direct A direct connection between a computer and a
connection terminal or between two computers over a relatively
short distance using copper wire pairs, coaxial
cable, or fiber optics. The signals are
transmitted in digital format.
hard-wired terminal A terminal directly connected to the computer
system by a length of cable.
head The physical mechanism on a disk or tape drive that
reads data from, and writes data to, the disk or
tape. The head on a disk drive does not normally
make physical contact with the surface of the
media, but the tape head does.
header The first page printed when output is directed to a
line printer. It contains the session name (if
designated), the session number, logon
identification, day of the week, date, and time.
It corresponds to the trailer printed as the last
page of the output.
Help facility An online utility providing information on all MPE
commands. Information can be accessed by topic
areas and tasks.
Hewlett-Packard (HP) A Fortune 500 company founded by Bill Hewlett and
Dave Packard in 1939. Hewlett-Packard is a
producer of computers and headquarters is located
in Palo Alto, California, U.S.A.
Hewlett-Packard A Hewlett-Packard high-level data-link (HDLC)
Data-Link Control II standard that defines the elements and procedures
(HP-DLC-II) for a balanced, bit-oriented, Level II of the Open
Systems Interconnection (OSI) model protocol.
Hewlett-Packard The graphics instruction set for Hewlett-Packard
Graphics Language film recorders and plotters.
(HP-GL)
Hewlett-Packard The HP-IB channel consists of an HP-IB cable
Interface Bus connected to an HP-IB interface card that is
(HP-IB) connected to the system's backplane. It performs
protocol translation between the CPU and HP-IB. For
the 900 Series HP 3000 up to six devices can be
connected to a single HP-IB channel. Disk drives,
tape drives, and system printers are connected by
an HP-IB which is HP's implementation of the IEEE
standard 488-1975 interface.
Hewlett-Packard A computer architecture expressly designed for
Precision performance, extensibility, and scalability. It
Architecture (HP-PA) can be implemented on low-end and high-end
computers across a complete family of computers.
Precision Architecture incorporates reduced
instruction set computer (RISC) technology in its
architecture. Advantages include fewer components
and PC boards, high reliability, and small power
supplies.
Hewlett-Packard The Hewlett-Packard relational database management
Structured Query system (DBMS) that uses the industry standard
Language Structured Query Language (SQL).
(ALLBASE/SQL)
hexadecimal The base 16 numbering system. The first 10 digits
are 0 through 9, and the last 6 are A through F.
When a number is written in base 16 it is preceded
by a dollar sign ("$"). For example, $F3 is the
hexadecimal representation for the decimal number
243.
hierarchical A point-to-point network topology. The
topology hierarchical topology is sometimes used with
supervisory-control application, in which large
databases exist at one node, possibly along with
control programs that are accessed by nodes lower
in the hierarchy. Hierarchical topologies are also
used for distributed database applications.
High Level Data-Link Types of protocols that eliminate much of the
Control (HDLC) handshaking (and resultant time-consuming line
turnarounds).
histogram A graphical representation of data.
history stack The history stack is a CI table that contains, by
default, the 20 most recent commands entered at the
system prompt during a session. The history stack
is used with the REDO and DO commands. To display
the commands in the history stack use the LISTREDO
command.
home group A default group, within an account, where a user
logs on when no specific group is indicated.
host computer 1) A computer running a process for a user logged
onto a different computer. For example, a user
logs onto system A and then uses data communication
software to start a session with system B and run a
program. System B is the host computer.
2) In a network, the computer that primarily
provides services such as computation, database
access, or special programs or programming
languages, to other users on the network.
HP AdvanceNet A family of communication products, hardware and
software, that allow HP systems to communicate with
each other and with equipment made by other
vendors.
HP Desk Hewlett-Packard's electronic mail product.
HPSlate An HP 3000 screen editor used to create and
manipulate files.
HPSORT An HP 3000 utility program that sorts records in a
file(s) and then merges the sorted files.
HP-UX An operating system based on AT&T Bell
Laboratories' implementation of UNIX System V and
containing other features. These features include
Hewlett-Packard capabilities (such as graphics) and
those from other UNIX systems, such as 4.2 BSD from
the University of California at Berkeley. UNIX is
a registered trademark of AT&T Bell Laboratories.
HPPATH A predefined, user-modifiable MPE/iX variable that
controls where the system searches for command and
program files. By default these files are searched
for in the user's group, followed by the .PUB group
of the user's account, followed by the .PUB group
of the .SYS account.
IF-THEN-ELSE A programming statement. When the IF condition is
statement
true, the THEN action is performed. When the IF
condition is false, the ELSE action is performed.
implicit A way of substituting the value of a variable in
dereferencing place of the variable name. Implicit dereferencing
is used with the CALC, IF, SETVAR, and WHILE
commands. See also explicit dereferencing.
IMAGE A network database management system. It consists
of a set of programs and procedures used to define,
create, access, and maintain a database.
implied RUN The ability to run a program without explicitly
using the RUN command. In MPE/iX it is not
necessary to specify RUN EDITOR.PUB.SYS to invoke
and run the EDIT/3000 program. It is only
necessary to enter EDITOR.
independent files Files that require only single-file consistency.
index In database terminology, a list of the contents of
a file, with keys or references for locating the
contents. An index facilitates data retrieval.
indirect file A text file containing the parameters for a STORE
or RESTORE command that you execute regularly.
INITIAL See system generator (SYSGEN)
initialization state The state of a job/session when it begins to
execute on its own stack. Indicated by EXEC* when
the SHOWJOB command is issued.
initialize To set to beginning values.
initialized volume After a member volume is defined with the NEWVOL
command, it can be made physically available to the
volume set by giving it a volume label, label
table, and free space map with the INITVOL command
of VOLUTIL.PUB.SYS. See defined volumes.
initial system ISL is the software used to bring up MPE/iX or
loader (ISL) perform a memory dump to tape. It provides a user
interface to obtain information about the bootpath
or to alter the bootpath. It is used to boot
MPE/iX or perform a memory dump to tape.
ink-jet printer A printer that forms characters by spraying ink
through a tiny jet onto paper.
input The data to be processed, or the process of
transferring data from external storage to the
computer.
input/output (I/O) The process of, or equipment used in, transmitting
information to or from the computer.
input priority A number in the range of 1 (lowest priority) to 14
(highest priority) assigned to input jobs. The
input priority can be assigned by the system
(default is 14) or by the user. Jobs with an input
priority less than or equal to the system jobfence
(default 8) are deferred.
INSTALL The MPE/iX Initial System Loader (ISL) INSTALL
utility performs a system load from tape and builds
essential operating system files and data
structures on disk. Equivalent to the MPE V/E
RELOAD operation.
instruction cache A high-speed cache implemented on the 900 Series HP
3000. It operates in parallel with the data cache
to enhance processing efficiency. For example,
data can be loaded from the data cache while the
next instruction is fetched from the instruction
cache. See data cache.
instruction set The set of all possible machine instructions
understood by the computer.
instruction unit A part of the MPE/iX CPU to control instruction
sequencing. It executes branch instructions,
maintains processor status, and handles traps and
interrupts.
integer A data type that is either a positive or negative
whole number, or zero.
integer value A sequence of digits preceded by a plus sign (+),
minus sign (-), dollar sign ($), or percent sign
(%). When neither a plus sign nor minus sign is
provided, a positive number is assumed. A dollar
sign indicates a hexadecimal integer and a percent
sign indicates an octal integer.
integrated circuit A silicon chip on which electrical connections are
(IC) etched to form electrical components. An IC may
contain as many as 100,000 gates depending on the
technology used. Chips are mounted on boards and
connected to form processing and memory functions
for a computer.
intelligent network A communications input/output board used with
processor (INP) Hewlett-Packard data communications products.
intelligent terminal A terminal that can edit, perform error checking,
and respond to programmatic instructions. An
intelligent terminal may be as simple as a CRT
terminal capable of block transmissions and minor
editing, or as complex as a terminal that is fully
user-programmable.
interactive An interactive session allows users to enter
commands and data at the terminal and receive an
immediate response. Sessions are useful for data
entry and retrieval, text editing, or program
development where direct dialog with the computer
is preferred.
interactive access A capability assigned to accounts and users
capability (IA allowing users to initiate sessions with the HELLO
capability) command.
interactive An MPE communications subsystem allowing users to
mainframe facility access a mainframe computer in interactive mode
(IMF) using a Hewlett-Packard distributed system network
(DSN).
interactive user A user who enters commands at a terminal.
interface 1) The connecting circuitry linking the central
processor of a computer system to its peripheral
devices.
2) Standards that allow systems to connect to each
other (for example, RS 232-C).
interleave A method of writing data to a disk device that
improves data access speed.
International An independent organization formed for the purpose
Association of of exchanging techniques and ideas among users of
Hewlett-Packard Hewlett-Packard computers.
Computer Users
(INTEREX)
International An organization established to promote the
Standards development of standards and to facilitate the
Organization (ISO) international exchange of goods and services. ISO
created the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), a
seven-layer approach to network architecture.
internetwork Communication between networks. See catenet.
communication
internetwork The network services (NS) protocol based on the
protocol (IP) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA)
standard. IP is primarily used to route messages
between networks using gateways. It provides
gateway-to-gateway routing, store-and-forward
service between gateways, and message fragmentation
and reassembly between source and destination
networks.
interprocess An MPE file system facility that allows processes
communication (IPC) to communicate with one another.
interrupt A signal that stops the current process and demands
immediate attention (so that it gets processed).
intrinsic A system routine accessible by user programs
providing interface to operating system resources
and functions. Intrinsics perform common tasks
such as file access, message formatting, or data
conversion.
intrinsic call The method used to invoke, or call, an intrinsic
from within a program.
I/O bay A cabinet containing the card cages and device
controller boards for peripherals connected to the
HP 3000. See card cage.
I/O dependent code Contains I/O module dependent data, and code used
(IODC) by processor-dependent code (PDC) in configuring
the I/O module and booting the system.
I/O error A data transmission error between a computer and
peripheral. Examples of I/O errors are baud rate
or parity mismatch, and incorrect syntax in
device-control instructions.
I/O interface card See device adapter.
I/O path The address of the interface hardware and the
physical path to reach a device. It is constructed
top down from where the device is physically
attached to the system. The path is determined by
the CIO adapter module number, the device adapter
(DA) slot number, and the device address.
ISQL The interactive interface to ALLBASE/SQL, the
relational interface to ALLBASE/SQL.
job A job is a method of submitting multiple operating
system and utility commands for processing with a
single command. Once submitted, the job executes
independently of the user's session. Jobs are used
to compile source programs, modify files, or
perform other functions not requiring user
interaction. See also batch processing and stream.
job control word A 16-bit logical word residing in an MPE-managed
(JCW) table. It's used to control command execution
within a job or a session. See variable or MPE/iX
variable.
jobfence A limit established to manage jobs. If a job has
an input priority higher than the jobfence, it
executes. If it has an input less than or equal to
the jobfence, it does not execute.
job file A file that contains commands that will be executed
noninteractively. A job file begins with the JOB
command and ends with the EOJ command.
job limit A limit set to manage jobs. The system manager or
operator can restrict system usage by limiting the
number of jobs allowed to run on the system. If
the LIMIT command is used to set the job limit to 0
(zero), no additional jobs can log onto the system.
job listing See listing.
job number A system assigned identification number given to
each job when it is submitted for processing.
job state A generic term for the preliminary stages,
excluding initial validation, a new job or session
must pass through during its lifespan. See
executing states.
JSMAIN An MPE/iX process that handles the logon dialog,
maintains session tables, and creates a command
interpreter (CI).
K Kilo (1000). In computer terminology, K is
commonly a symbol representing the number 1024, or
2 raised to the 10th power. Frequently used as a
synonym for thousand.
kernel A set of routines in the operating system. The
kernel is the executable code responsible for
overall control of the computer's resources, such
as allocating memory, creating processes, and
scheduling programs for execution. See control
program.
key In ALLBASE/SQL, a column used in an index
definition.
keyboard A keyboard is attached to a terminal and is a means
of inputting data to communicate with the system.
keyed file A file whose records can be read in logical
sequence or directly accessed by a key associated
with each record.
keyed sequential A file access method supported on the HP 3000 (and
access method (KSAM) included with the fundamental operating software)
in which records may be accessed either
sequentially or randomly by primary or alternate
record keys.
keyword A word assigned a specific meaning by the operating
system, a subsystem, computer language, or utility.
keyword parameters Words that have special meaning to the command
interpreter and are used to modify the intent or
effect of an MPE/iX command. Keyword parameters,
unlike positional parameters, may appear in any
order after a command has been entered on the
command line. An entire keyword parameter group,
such as PASS=password, must be separated from other
keyword parameters by a semicolon (;).
K file A recovery file created by EDIT/3000, with a name
in the form Kdddhhmm, where the first three
characters (ddd) show the Julian day, and the next
four (hhmm) characters show the time in hours and
minutes when work began on the file. A new K file
is created every time a new file is created or an
existing file is loaded for editing. If a system
problem occurs, the data in the new or loaded file
is saved to the K file for recovery purposes.
label table A table that contains file labels for the files
residing on the volume set.
LAN 3000/XL LINK Provides the hardware and communications software
needed to connect 900 Series HP 3000 machines to a
network for system-to-system communication.
LAN cables Cables used to connect the Datacommunications and
Terminal Controller (DTC) and the system. See
Thick LAN cable and Thin LAN cable.
language construct A command grouping (for example, IF-ENDIF) used to
control the flow of commands.
laser printer A printer that uses a laser to produce an image on
a page.
laser printing A method of printing in which a rotating drum has a
raster image transferred onto it by a laser. As it
rotates further, it is dusted with a fine black
plastic powder called toner which adheres to the
drum where it was struck by the laser. When the
drum comes in contact with the paper, the toner
pattern is transferred onto it and the toner is
melted (fused) to make the printing permanent.
layers The division in network architecture models. In
network architecture, different transmission and
communications tasks are assigned to each layer.
Each layer is a logically distinct module. One
example of layers is the seven-layer Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) network model developed by
the International Standards Organization (ISO).
LDEV number See logical device number.
library A file containing a set of procedures that may be
accessed by programs.
line editor A line editor requires you to press Return to end
one line of text and to begin another. EDIT/3000
is an example of a line editor.
line printer A hardware device used for system output. A line
printer prints output one line at a time.
link To set up pointers and table entries for a compiled
file and its libraries. This creates an executable
file that allows a program to run.
link access protocol A subset of high-level data-link control (HDLC)
(LAP) protocol that governs the exchanges between a user
and the access node of a public data network. LAP
uses asynchronous response mode (ARM) of HDLC and
is now used in limited applications.
link access The current version of link access protocol (LAP)
protocol-balanced that uses asynchronous balanced mode (ABM) of
(LAP-B) high-level data-link control (HDLC).
link editor See linker.
linker A system program. It combines one or more object
programs into one program, searches libraries to
resolve user program references, and builds an
executable file. This executable file is ready for
execution through the program loader. Also
referred to as link editor.
listing A listing is the output of a job usually in the
form of a printed document.
load A machine instruction requesting the CPU to take
data from memory and place it in a register.
loading To prepare a program for execution by allocating
primary memory and putting the job in a queue for
execution.
local area network A computer network confined to a single location.
(LAN) For example, connecting two or more computer
systems within a single office together creates a
LAN.
local area network A hardware card that fits into the backplane of the
interface controller HP 3000
(LANIC) and provides a physical layer for IEEE 802.3 local
area networks.
localizable That quality of software or documentation that
facilitates changes to the punctuation characters,
key words, and command names to fit a particular
language so that applications can be used in
different countries. The user interface is in the
country's native language.
local mode A standalone method of terminal operation. A
terminal is operating in local mode when it is not
connected to the computer. See also remote mode.
local network The network to which the local node belongs.
local node The node where you are physically located and
logged on, and at which you enter commands.
local system console See system console.
local variable A variable that appears as a UDC or a command file
parameter. A local variable is valid only in a
certain section of code. This is the opposite of
global, which has value throughout an entire
program.
LOCKED state The status of an output spoolfile when it is being
accessed by the SPOOK utility, and is therefore
unavailable for printing.
lockword A word used as a security device on files. A
lockword can be assigned to a file when it is
created or renamed, and must be supplied to regain
access to the file. The word may be from one to
eight alphanumeric characters long and must begin
with an alphabetic character.
log file A file that maintains a record of events. Each
event is recorded in a separate log record, and is
correlated with the job or session causing the
event.
logging 1) The process of recording all system
modifications to a tape or disk file for the
purpose of recovery or accountability. If the
system fails, the log file can be used to restore
the system to its state prior to the failure.
2) The process used by DBCore to record the
activity of a DBEnvironment to enable either
rollback or rollforward recovery if necessary.
logging shutdown A shutdown marking the end of the logging cycle.
In most cases, it is performed just prior to either
system or database backup.
logic unit (LU) 1) A part of the CPU that executes arithmetic
statements.
2) A program or set of programs providing access to
a network for an end user.
logical device The logical representation of a physical device.
(LDEV) The representation includes a numeric identifier
and a set of parameters that define the device and
its address.
logical device An LDEV number is assigned to all hardware
number components of a computer system and is used for
identification purposes.
logical interchange A standard format for mass storage implemented on
format (LIF) many Hewlett-Packard computers to aid in media
transportability.
logical record A collection of fields or related data, treated as
a unit, residing in a file. A logical record is
defined in a user program. Its length is smaller
than or equal to the length of the physical record
in which it resides.
log off A method of terminating a session. To log off
MPE/iX, enter the BYE or EXIT command.
log on A method of initiating a session. To log on to
MPE/iX, enter the HELLO command and a valid user
and account name, plus a group name if necessary,
and any required passwords.
logon group The group accessed by defining a group name when
logging on using the HELLO command. The syntax is
username.accountname, groupname. Once the desired
group is accessed, resident files may be referenced
without fully qualifying them.
logon identity A security device used to verify users to the
system. A logon identity includes a valid user
name and account name in the form user.account.
logon prompt A system prompt (MPE/iX:) that indicates the
computer is ready to initiate a session. See also
prompt.
logon session The online interaction between a user and the
computer. The session occurs between logging on
and logging off.
logon UDC A user-defined command (UDC) automatically executed
at logon. Specified with an OPTION LOGON statement
within the UDC.
LONER A duplicate of a member volume currently online, or
a volume recognized by MPE/iX as a member volume
but without a master volume online. The VSCLOSE
command puts all master and member volumes of a set
in the LONER state.
machine cycle The period of time required by a computer to
perform the most fundamental operation.
machine instruction The smallest resolvable piece of a code segment.
Machine instructions are used by the CPU to
accomplish a single task, such as moving an item of
data to the CPU, moving it from the CPU to memory,
or performing a single calculation using data in
the CPU.
machine language Binary code that is executable by the CPU. All
programs must eventually be translated into machine
language before they can be processed by the
computer.
magnetic tape A data storage media that comes on reels.
mainframe computer A computer that generally has a large amount of
memory and operates at high-speed, servicing
multiple users and/or batch jobs.
main memory The fast, volatile, random access storage
containing all currently executing code and data
segments, including portions of the operating
system and any utilities in use.
maintenance word A protection word restricting access to certain
utility functions of a database. The creator can
define a maintenance word for a database or a
database space with HPIUtil and SQLUtil.
management A system using equipment and certain procedures to
information systems aid the managerial decision-making process.
(MIS)
manual master data A data set in a database containing a key item and
set possibly other data items. A manual master does
not have to be linked to a detail data set.
Entries in a manual master data set must be
explicitly added or deleted (compare to automatic
master data set).
mapped file The disk files that are mapped directly into the
virtual address space memory, bypassing the file
system and I/O routines that other disk files must
use.
mapped file access A method of transferring data to/from a disk file
by implicitly using virtual pointers and primitive
LOAD and STORE instructions, rather than by
explicitly reading/writing using file system
primitives. Mapped files are accessible by
obtaining a pointer to the file that is mapped to
the user's address space.
MASTER The state of a disk recognized by the system as a
master volume.
master data set A data set with one or more data items, one of
which must be a key item. A master data set is
generally used as an index to one or more detail
data sets. The two types of master data sets are
manual and automatic.
master device A peripheral device containing the device
controller board used to control it and other slave
devices.
master installation A tape containing the MPE/iX operating system,
tape (MIT) utilities, and subsystems for the HP 3000. It may
be either a new version of the software, a backup
of the user's system, or the original installation
tape for a new site. MIT may also refer to a
particular release of MPE.
master/slave A relation between two processes in which one
initiates the execution of the other, and controls
all subsequent communications between them.
master volume A master volume is the only volume needed to define
a volume set. It contains the configuration data,
the root directory, a free space map, file label
table, and a volume label with a unique volume set
ID for the volume set. See system volume.
mean time between A statistic that predicts how often failures will
failures (MTBF) occur.
mean time to A statistic that predicts how long a certain repair
recovery (MTTR) service will take.
media Devices capable of storing data, such as disks or
magnetic tapes.
medium attachment A device attached to a coaxial cable for a local
unit (MAU) area network. The MAU provides physical and
electrical connection from the attachment unit
interface (AUI) cable to the coaxial cable.
megabyte A measure of memory or storage space equal to
1,048,576 bytes of characters.
member volume A volume containing a volume label indicating it
belongs to an MPE/iX volume set. It may be used by
one or more volume classes.
memory An area of the computer's circuitry that holds
applications and any data generated with those
applications. Information held in random access
memory (RAM) is erased whenever the computer is
turned off. Information held in read-only memory
(ROM) is retained even when the computer is off.
memory dump The contents of memory stored on disk or tape. A
memory dump is usually used for analysis and
trouble shooting.
memory error logging A facility that records all memory errors. It
begins automatically when the system is
initialized.
memory-mapped I/O A configuration in which each device or I/O
interface card is assigned a set of memory
locations, or memory-mapped I/O registers.
menu A display on the terminal screen showing the
options available within a program. Many
application programs use menus to show the options
a user can select.
message A unit of information sent from one device
or computer to another in a form that is
understandable to the receiving device.
message file A special type of file with features ideal for
managing messages between processes. They also
allow processes in different jobs and sessions to
communicate with one another.
metadata A data dictionary term that means data that
describes other data.
microcode Directions that define machine language
instructions. Each machine instruction is a
complete microprogram. Microcode directly controls
how the hardware functions. Microcode runs in a
fast memory called a control store.
microcomputer A small computer, based on a microprocessor,
designed to serve one user at a time.
microprocessor A computer chip containing the circuitry the
computer needs to interpret and execute
instructions and to perform calculations. Some
microprocessors contain a small amount of memory.
The microprocessor is the heart of every personal
computer.
millicode The 900 Series HP 3000 utilizes millicode routines
to perform some of the more frequently executed
complex tasks. Millicode routines are sequences of
instructions that can be accessed and executed very
efficiently by MPE/iX.
million instructions A term used to measure how fast a CPU can operate.
per second (MIPS) For example, one machine might be rated to operate
at 4.5 MIPS, another at 6.7 MIPS.
minicomputer A medium-sized computer that can serve many users
and peripherals.
modem Modulator/demodulator. A device allowing
communication between computer systems. The modem
converts digital signals generated by the sending
(initiating) computer into a form that can be
transmitted by telephone (modulation). At the
receiving facility, the telephone signal is
reconverted into a digital signal (demodulation)
and is input to the computer.
module 1) A hardware device that sits on a bus, such as an
I/O interface card. Each has its own set of
memory-mapped registers to which it responds.
2) Within a software context, a piece of code.
monitor See control program.
motherboard A printed circuit assembly into which circuit
boards are plugged. The motherboard provides an
organized means to transmit data and control
information/power between the components and
devices controlled by the circuit boards.
mountable volumes See nonsystem volumes.
mounting The act of making a data storage device accessible.
To physically mount the device, you load the media
onto the device. To logically mount the device,
you tell the operating system which device you want
to use and it allows you access to that resource.
multileaving remote A distributed system network (DSN) product that
job entry (MRJE) provides a link between an HP 3000 and a mainframe
computer using remote job entry communications
protocol.
multiple RIN The ability to use more than one RIN at a time; for
capability (MR
capability)
example, locking more than one file at a time.
multiplexer (MUX) A device or interface that allows a number of
separate input or output lines to funnel into a
single computer.
multiprocessing The appearance of simultaneous execution of two or
more processes.
multiprocessor A processor that can be added to the main processor
to increase computing power.
multiprogramming The concurrent execution of multiple programs by a
single processing unit.
Multiprogramming The HP 3000 MPE V/E operating system. MPE consists
Executive (MPE) of programs that handle exchanges between HP
terminals, printers, storage devices, memory, and
executing programs.
MPE/iX Multiprogramming executive with integrated POSIX.
The operating system for the 900 Series HP 3000
computers. MPE/iX manages all system resources and
coordinates the execution of all programs running
on the system.
multiple RINs Allowing an account, group, or user multiple RINs
(by specifying multiple RIN (MR) capability with
the ALTACCT, ALTGROUP, or ALTUSER commands) allows
users to lock more than one resource at a time.
multiuser mode The state of an ALLBASE/SQL DBEnvironment that
allows more than one user to access it
concurrently. The maximum number of users is set
by the maximum transactions parameter stored in the
DBECon file.
multiuser state The condition of an operating system in which
terminals and the system console allow
communication between the system and its users.
multiuser system A system that may have more than one user actively
communicating with the system when it is in a
multiuser state.
nailed device A device permanently assigned an LDEV number.
native language MPE/iX utilities and intrinsics that facilitate the
support (NLS) development of applications for users in different
countries. NLS includes such features as currency
symbol handling and character translation.
native mode (NM) The native run-time environment of MPE/iX. In
native mode, source code has been compiled into the
native instruction set of the 900 Series HP 3000.
network A group of computer systems connected so that they
can exchange information and share resources.
network A user, selected by the system manager, who is
administrator
capability (NA
capability)
assigned to manage the data communications
subsystem at a specified location.
network architecture A structured, modular design for networks.
network boundary The division between networks in a catenet or
internetwork.
network file A network services (NS) user service that allows
transfer (NFT) you to copy files from one node to another
interactively or programmatically.
network interprocess A network services (NS) user service that allows
communication autonomous processes running concurrently at
(NetIPC) different nodes to exchange information in a
peer-to-peer manner.
network layer Layer three of the Open Systems Interconnection
(OSI) network model. Network layer tasks include
determining the routes messages take to get from
one node to another.
network map A diagram of the links, nodes, and networks in a
catenet. A network map should include node
information (system type and resources,
peripherals, amount of memory, and services
supported) and linked information (location of
coaxial cables, terminators, repeaters, attachment
unit interface (AUI) cables, and media attachment
unit (MAUs).
network remote job A facility to provide batch systems network
entry (NRJE) architecture (SNA) communications. SNA NRJE allows
users to transmit large batch jobs and files from
an HP 3000 to an IBM mainframe for processing and
to receive output and files from an IBM mainframe.
network services Network services (NS) software products provide
(NS) user interface to the network. They allow batch
job submittals, file transfers, virtual terminal
access, and other services.
$NEWPASS Temporary file created automatically, typically
during compiling, to which newly generated compiled
code is written. This is a system-defined file and
only one may exist during a single job or session.
When this file is closed, its name changes to
$OLDPASS.
node One end of a communications link or a computer
system in a network. For example, if two HP 3000
computers are connected by a DS line, each system
is considered a node.
node manager A capability assigned to users allowing them to
capability (NM control communication subsystems at their node.
capability)
node name A string of up to 31 characters, not including
control characters or spaces, that uniquely
identifies a node in a network or internetwork.
noise Undesirable signals on a communication channel.
Noise can interfere with or distort data signals.
nonremovable disks Disks that cannot be removed from the disk drive.
nonshareable device A capability assigned to accounts and users
capability (ND allowing account members to own nonshareable
capability) devices such as unspooled printers, serial disks,
private volumes (on MPE V/E), and foreign disks.
nonsystem volumes Volumes that do not need to be mounted for the
operating system to run. Also called mountable
volumes. These volumes are equivalent to MPE V/E
private volumes.
NS Common Services A group of network services including network file
transfer (NFT), network interprocess communication
(NetIPC), remote process management (RPM), and
virtual terminal (VT).
$NULL Temporary file that is empty when used as input and
meaningless when used as output (the output
essentially disappears into what is referred to as
the bit bucket). When referenced as an input file
by a program, that program receives only an
end-of-file mark upon first access. When
referenced as an output file, the associated write
request is accepted by MPE/iX but no physical
output is actually performed. $NULL can be used to
discard unneeded output from an executing program.
null value A value consisting only of binary zeros. Null
values are neither blanks nor ASCII zeros. They do
not print.